Charity Registration No. NIC 105711
Company Registration No. NI027446 (Northern Ireland)
THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE BYTES PROJECT
CONTENTS
Page
Charity reference and administrative details
1
Directors' Report
2 - 8
Independent auditor's report
9 - 12
Statement of financial activities
13
(incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account)
Balance sheet
14
Statement of cash flows
15
Notes to the financial statements
16 - 24
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
CHARITABLE REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
- 1 -
Directors
Ben Carter (Chair)
Andrea McLoughlin (Vice-chair)
Ed Axon
Ciaran Connolly
Andrew Hamilton
Jill Aicken
Derek Browne
(Appointed 31 August 2025)
Adrian Smyth
(Appointed 14 May 2024)
Company secretary
Stephen Dallas
Chief executive officer
Stephen Dallas
Charity number
NIC 105711
Company number
NI027446
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
NIC105711
Registered office and principal office
297 Antrim Road
Newtownabbey
Northern Ireland
BT36 5EG
Independent Auditor
Johnston Kennedy DFK
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors
10 Pilots View
Heron Road
Belfast
BT3 9LE
Bankers
Bank of Ireland
Belfast City Branch
4 - 8 High Street
Belfast
BT1 2BA
THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 2 -

The Trustees, who are directors for the purpose of company law, present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Directors

The following directors have held office since 1 April 2024 (unless stated).

Ben Carter (Chair)
Andrea McLoughlin (Vice-chair)
Ed Axon
Ciaran Connolly
Neil Cooke
(Resigned 26 November 2024)
Andrew Hamilton
Stephen Murray
(Resigned 26 November 2024)
Jill Aicken
Derek Browne
(Appointed 31 August 2025)
Adrian Smyth
(Appointed 14 May 2024)
Directors' interests
None of the directors of the company held a beneficial interest in the assets of the company. There were no emoluments paid to directors during the current year. Directors did not claim any expenses during the current year in their capacity as directors.
Chief Executive Officer
Since April 2021 the Chief Executive Officer, known as the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary, has been Stephen Dallas.
Structure, governance and management

The Bytes Project is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 28 April 1993, and registered with the Charity Commission Northern Ireland on 21 September 2016. It is governed under the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Governance is exercised by the Trustees, who voluntarily contribute senior experience from commerce, industry, civil service, academia, and community service. New Directors are appointed following an assessment process and receive induction on the strategic plan and financial activities.

Public Benefit Statement

The charity’s beneficiaries are children and young people. Public benefit is demonstrated through increased knowledge, skills, qualifications and employability; strengthened self‑esteem and confidence; and improved progression into education, training and employment. Evidence of these benefits includes:

 

THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 3 -
Principal Objectives and Activities

The Charity’s Objects are the following:

 

Strategy

Our vision and mission are:

 

Our new strategy from 2021-24 has named four pillars to drive our work:

 

In April 2023, we refined them to:

 

These themes shape this report. During the next financial year, Bytes will release a new strategy for 2025-30.

Achievements and performance

Summary highlights for the year are set out below.

 

Youth Empowerment - Local Youth Hubs

North West

Sperrins

Background & Provision: Two nights per week provision across Park (Juniors/Seniors) and Aughabrack (Juniors/Seniors), aligned to EA’s six thematic areas.

Participation: >70 thematic sessions delivered across the year. Average weekly attendance: Park Juniors ~25; Park Seniors ~19; Aughabrack ~27.

Curriculum & Focus: Emotional Health & Wellbeing (EHW&WB), inclusion & good relations, youth voice & leadership, online safety, and community participation.

 

Waterside & Faughan

Background & Provision: Local project responding to identified needs in the Waterside/Faughan DEAs, delivered via structured centre-based work and targeted programmes.

Participation: 197 young people engaged (106 aged 9–13; 91 aged 14–18) across 144 sessions (average 10 per session).

Curriculum & Focus: EHW&WB, online safety, positive peer relationships, inclusion/good relations.

THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 4 -

Foyleside (City)

Background & Provision: Multi-session weekly delivery via the Strand Road youth hub.

Participation: Six three-hour weekly sessions for 14–18s, with up to 100 participants weekly at peak (2023/24 baseline).

Curriculum & Focus: EHW&WB (including RSPB climate action), digital inclusion, youth leadership; NEET support strands ran alongside hub provision.

 

Mid Ulster & Causeway Coast and Glens

Carntogher (Rural)

Background & Provision: Four nights/week across Upperlands and Clady hubs. Bytes North East Team mobilised in May 2024, consolidating rural delivery and volunteer capacity.

Participation: Average weekly attendance: Clady Juniors ~50; Clady Seniors ~27; Upperlands Juniors ~20; Upperlands Seniors ~18.

Curriculum & Focus: EHW&WB, youth voice, inclusion, and online safety are tailored to the rural context; youth committees and volunteer support are embedded.

 

Ballymoney / Churchlands

Background & Provision: The New Ballymoney Youth Hub at Seymour Street increased capacity and improved the youth-friendly environment. Delivery spans centre-based, detached/outreach (Ballymoney train station, Megaw Park), and thematic/leadership programmes. Attendance increased following the move; detached/outreach transitions young people into structured programmes.

Participation: The average weekly engagement is over 60 young people.

Curriculum & Focus: Mental health (exam stress, ASMR relaxation, nutrition/fitness), Fearless confidence programme (inc. abseiling the Europa), OCN L1 Youth Work, youth leadership & volunteering

 

Antrim & Newtownabbey / Mid & East Antrim

Ballyclare (A&N)

Background & Provision: Bytes’ hub activity evidences regular developmental sessions and stakeholder inputs (PSNI/NIFRS) that complement local needs.

Participation: Hub records show steady weekend/evening groups with on-street → centre transitions. The average weekly engagement is over 100 young people.

Curriculum & Focus: Anti-social behaviour awareness, safety and community relations, delivered alongside generic youth work.

Kells (Mid & East Antrim)

Background & Provision: Open access youth work delivered with Kells & Connor Community Improvement Association (KCCIA).

Participation: 129 participants engaged.

Curriculum & Focus: EHW&WB, inclusion/good relations, online safety, youth voice/leadership and community participation, plus generic youth sessions for continuity and progression. Clearly delivered with an understanding of rural need.

THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 5 -

Regional Support

In 2022, Bytes updated our articles to enable us to provide regional support to local youth organisations across NI. This enables Bytes to support youth projects in other locations and improve youth empowerment across NI. Below we detail the support we offered this financial year:

Sector Support & Reach

Workforce Development

Safeguarding

Youth Voice & Data

 

Key Outcomes

 

Youth Empathy – Good Relations and Inclusion

We delivered eleven good relations programmes across our Youth Hubs this financial year. This is the most significant increase in these types of programmes for Bytes since 2021.

 

These were significant projects spanning three to eight months, engaging over 350 young people and working with several community-based organisations. Young people established new relationships, explored good relationships, learned together, and became involved in social activities.

 

Our NE Hub in Ballymoney also delivered the Engage programme, which provided individual support for young people on the edge of serious organised crime.

 

Youth Employment & Digital

We were part of a successful consortium bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for an employment support programme called Youth Start. The key statistics from April 2023 to March 2024 include:

Engagement & activity

Progression outcomes

Additional strand (MULTIPLY – Money Works)

THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 6 -

Digital

We continued to strengthen our digital infrastructure and services.

 

Digital Inclusion

PA Foundation: The digital upskilling programme, funded by The PA Foundation, is designed to provide young people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's digital world. Participants have learned about various digital tools and technologies through workshops, hands-on training, and mentorship. The programme aims to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for young people to excel in their careers.

 

Santander: In 2023, we secured three years of funding from the Santander Foundation to support our digital upskilling and leadership initiatives. The programme's emphasis on digital financial literacy ensured that participants understood online transactions, digital banking, and financial management tools comprehensively.

 

Digital Infrastructure

Tech Secure is The Bytes Project’s evidence-based response to the persistent digital infrastructure and cybersecurity gaps facing Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary sector (CVS). Delivered through our social enterprise subsidiary, Bytes Digital Innovation Ltd, and developed with NICVA, Kero (SME technical partner) and Reconome (circular economy devices), the pilot was funded by Innovate UK and independently evaluated by Stats & Stories (July 2025). Our baseline assessments confirmed widespread risks across small charities—unmanaged devices, weak access controls, outdated software and network vulnerabilities—against a policy backdrop where Northern Ireland lacks a direct equivalent to the Cyber Local funding currently available to organisations in England.

 

The project implements a three-stage model—Assess, Fix & Standardise, Upskill—to create durable digital resilience. Across four charities, we established 4 Microsoft 365 Business Premium tenancies, upgraded 26 devices to fully managed Windows 11 Pro, deployed 32 user accounts with 100% multi-factor authentication, and introduced a standardised security stack with 24/7 monitoring and automated patching. Post-training evaluation shows staff self-ratings at 100% “excellent/good” for cybersecurity, collaboration, data & information management, and software skills; AI awareness increased to 91%, and “accessing IT support” to 90.9%. Organisations progressed to Cyber Essentials compliance, moving from reactive, high-risk IT to managed, auditable environments that protect data and enable productivity.

 

Looking ahead, the future of Tech Secure is being sustained through our social value partnership with Fujitsu, which is supporting us in maintaining the service with four CVS organisations. At the same time, we build a scalable operating model with Kero and NICVA. To close the systemic gap and reach many more charities, we recommend that the Department for the Economy invest in the CVS through a targeted programme modelled on the Cyber Local approach in England—leveraging social value and SME delivery to standardise secure infrastructure, upskill staff and reduce regional cyber risk. This aligns directly with the Economic Vision’s priorities on productivity, skills, innovation, and regional balance, and would convert a proven pilot into sector-wide resilience.

 

Future developments in Digital (2025–26)

 

Plans for future periods (2025–26)

THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 7 -
Risk management

The Trustees maintain a strategic risk register as a standing Board agenda item. Principal risks include:

Mitigations include: diversified funding development; accredited training and supervision; safeguarding policies and escalation procedures; data and cyber controls; documented operating procedures; and regular Board assurance.

Financial review

The results are set out on pages 13 to 24. The Bytes Project returned net expenditure for the year of £86,243 (2024: £17,248) which comprised a net unrestricted deficit of £86,271 and net restricted surplus of £28.

 

At the year end unrestricted reserves amounted to £571,947 of which £264,207 was designated towards fixed assets leaving free reserves of £307,740. During the year the charity purchased premises at a cost of £231,000 plus associated outlays of £3,327. While the expenditure was funded from free unrestricted reservices the asset provides security to support the charity's operating cashflow facilities. Restricted funds at the year end amounted to £97,721 of which £41,847 was designated towards fixed assets.

Reserves policy

The unrestricted funds are essential to supply sufficient funds to cover any unforeseen costs which may arise and fulfil the legal obligations of the charity if current levels of income are not maintained. The charity’s reserve policy is to hold cover in line with the recommendations of the Charity Commission in Northern Ireland. For 2025-26 the Directors aim to retain at least 6 months operating costs in reserve which would be just over £565k. Our free reserves at year end amounted to £307,740.

Political and Charitable Donations
During the year the company made no political or charitable contributions.
Reference and Administrative Details
The organisations' details are as disclosed on the administrative details page.
THE BYTES PROJECT
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 8 -
Statement of directors' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of The Bytes Project for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statement of Disclosure of information to Auditors

We, the Directors of the company who held office at the date of approval of these Financial Statements, as set out above, each confirm so far as we are aware, that:

 

Auditors
The auditor's services will be re-tendered in line with our financial procedures.
Special Provisions Relating to Small Companies
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

On behalf of the board

Ben Carter
..............................
Ben Carter (Chair)
Dated: 25 November 2025
THE BYTES PROJECT
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BYTES PROJECT
- 9 -

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Bytes Project (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

-

have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

THE BYTES PROJECT
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BYTES PROJECT
- 10 -

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

-

the information given in the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

-

the directors’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-

sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or

-

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or

-

certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

-

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of directors' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

THE BYTES PROJECT
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BYTES PROJECT
- 11 -
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

-     identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;

-     detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

–     the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

 

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

 

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charitable company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and Taxation Legislation.

 

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the charitable company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

 

As a result of performing the above our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

 

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members, including internal specialists, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

THE BYTES PROJECT
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BYTES PROJECT
- 12 -

This report is made solely to the charity members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

 

James Gage
.........................................
James Gage (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of:
Johnston Kennedy DFK
Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors
10 Pilots View
Heron Road
Belfast
BT3 9LE
Dated: 25 November 2025
THE BYTES PROJECT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES    
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 13 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
4
61,508
1,379,144
1,440,652
1,293,882
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
135,248
1,391,647
1,526,895
1,311,130
Total expenditure
135,248
1,391,647
1,526,895
1,311,130
Net outgoing
(73,740)
(12,503)
(86,243)
(17,248)
Transfers between funds
14&15
(12,531)
12,531
-
-
Net movement in funds
(86,271)
28
(86,243)
(17,248)
Total funds brought forward
658,218
97,693
755,911
773,159
Total funds carried forward
571,947
97,721
669,668
755,911
Continuing operations

The Statement of Financial Activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

Statement of comprehensive income

There is no other comprehensive income to report for the financial year.

 

Comparatives
The comparative amounts by fund have been disclosed in notes 2 and 3.
Historical cost
The results as disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities and the net outgoing resources for the year have been presented on an historical cost basis.
The notes on pages 16 to 24 form part of these financial statements
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
31 March 2025
- 14 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
306,054
85,302
Current assets
Debtors
10
472,462
238,419
Cash at bank and in hand
322,065
699,647
794,527
938,066
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11
(426,162)
(250,930)
Net current assets
368,365
687,136
Total assets less current liabilities
674,419
772,438
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
12
(4,751)
(16,527)
Net assets
669,668
755,911
Funds
Restricted income funds
14
97,721
97,693
Unrestricted income funds
15
571,947
658,218
Total funds
16
669,668
755,911
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on
25 November 2025
25 November 2025
and signed on its behalf by:
Ben Carter
Andrea McLoughlin
..............................
..............................
Ben Carter
Andrea McLoughlin
Director
Director
Company Registration No. NI027446
Charity No. NIC 105711
The notes on pages 16 to 24 form part of these financial statements
THE BYTES PROJECT
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 15 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
24
(83,082)
425,074
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(282,724)
(51,748)
Net cash used in investing activities
(282,724)
(51,748)
Financing activities
(Repayments) / advances from bank loans
(11,776)
(8,334)
Net cash used in financing activities
(11,776)
(8,334)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(377,582)
364,992
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
699,647
334,655
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
322,065
699,647
The notes on pages 16 to 24 form part of these financial statements
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 16 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Bytes Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office and principal office is 297 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5EG, Northern Ireland. The nature of the charity's operations and principal activities are given in the directors' report on page 3 of these financial statements.

1.1
Accounting convention

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (second edition - October 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

 

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

1.2
Income and expenditure

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. All income arose wholly in the United Kingdom.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. The majority of costs are directly attributable to charitable activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Staff costs and overhead expenses are allocated to activities on the basis of staff time spent on those activities.

1.3
Support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, human resources, payroll and governance costs which support the charity's activities. These costs have been allocated against the expenditure on charitable activities.

1.4
Fund Accounting

The charity has different types of funds for which it is responsible, and which require separate disclosure. These are as follows:

(a) Restricted funds - Funding received which can only be used for a specific purpose as determined by the funder. Such purposes are within the overall aims of the organisation and are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

(b) Unrestricted funds - Funds which are expendable at the discretion of the directors in the futherance of the objectives of the charity. In addition the funds may be held in order to finance capital investment and working capital.

THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold land and buildings
nil
Fixtures and fittings
25% straight line
Computer equipment
33% straight line
1.6
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Operating creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Operating creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.7
Taxation

The company is a registered charity and is not liable to tax on funds generated from activities within the scope of the charitable exemptions.

1.8
Pensions

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Pension contributions in respect of the scheme for employees are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. The assets are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. Differences between the amounts charged in the income and expenditure account and payments made to pension funds are treated as assets or liabilities.

THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 18 -
1.9

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

2
Statement of Financial Activities:Unrestricted funds
2025
2024
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
61,508
105,843
Total income
61,508
105,843
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
135,248
100,523
Total expenditure
135,248
100,523
Net incoming / (outgoing):
(73,740)
5,320
Transfers between funds
12,531
5,669
Net movement in funds
(86,271)
10,989
Total funds brought forward
658,218
647,229
Total funds carried forward
571,947
658,218
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 19 -
3
Statement of Financial Activities: Restricted Funds
2025
2024
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
1,379,144
1,188,039
Total income
1,379,144
1,188,039
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
1,391,647
1,210,607
Total expenditure
1,391,647
1,210,607
Net incoming / (outgoing):
(12,503)
(22,568)
Transfers between funds
12,531
(5,669)
Net movement in funds
28
(28,237)
Total funds brought forward
97,693
125,930
Total funds carried forward
97,721
97,693
4
Charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
fund
fund
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
Education Authority
-
461,249
461,249
561,741
A&NBC
-
61,457
61,457
60,845
TBUC / CGRF
-
236,764
236,764
219,461
SEUPB - Voices 4 Impact
-
48,570
48,570
-
Rank Foundation
-
29,303
29,303
28,795
PA Foundation
-
23,443
23,443
27,500
Youth Action NI
-
293,049
293,049
200,821
National Lottery - Dormant Accounts - CRM
-
2,020
2,020
10,302
Fees for services delivered
61,508
-
61,508
92,713
Santander
-
36,540
36,540
85,959
International Fund for Ireland
-
36,113
36,113
-
Innovate UK
-
41,576
41,576
-
Translink NI
-
-
-
-
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
-
59,600
59,600
5,745
Sir Halley Stewart Trust
-
7,757
7,757
-
Radius Housing
-
9,579
9,579
-
CINE
-
9,021
9,021
-
DCSDC
-
23,103
23,103
-
61,508
1,379,144
1,440,652
1,293,882
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 20 -
5
Expenditure on charitable activities
Unrestricted Fund
Restricted fund
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
Activity costs
103,345
1,130,464
1,233,809
1,029,659
Support costs
31,903
261,183
293,086
281,471
135,248
1,391,647
1,526,895
1,311,130
6
Net income/(expenditure)
2025
2024
£
£
Net movement in funds is stated after charging
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
40,859
38,875
Auditor's remuneration (including accountancy services)
7,935
6,152
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
21,113
-
7
Employees
Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025
2024
Number
Number
46
40
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were:
2025
2024
Number
Number
£60,000 - £70,000
1
1
8
Directors' remuneration

No director received any remuneration or were reimbursed expenditure from the charity during the current or previous year.

THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 21 -
9
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
-
130,689
309,153
439,842
Additions
234,327
17,441
30,956
282,724
Disposals
-
(37,178)
-
(37,178)
At 31 March 2025
234,327
110,952
340,109
685,388
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
-
86,255
268,285
354,540
Depreciation charged in the year
-
10,485
30,374
40,859
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(16,065)
-
(16,065)
At 31 March 2025
-
80,675
298,659
379,334
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
234,327
30,277
41,450
306,054
At 31 March 2024
-
44,434
40,868
85,302
10
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Activity debtors
410,345
123,939
Prepayments and accrued income
62,117
114,480
472,462
238,419
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
13
8,333
8,333
Other taxation and social security
36,038
404
Activity creditors
102,243
70,404
Amounts due to fellow group undertakings
2,150
-
Other creditors
14,262
4,230
Accruals and deferred income
263,136
167,559
426,162
250,930
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 22 -
12
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
13
4,751
16,527
13
Loans and overdrafts
2025
2024
£
£
Bank loans
13,084
24,860
Payable within one year
8,333
8,333
Payable after one year
4,751
16,527
14
Restricted income funds
Balance at 1 April 2024

Incoming resources

Resources expended

Transfers

Balance at 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
£
Education Authority
23,716
461,249
(487,217)
10,042
7,790
A&NBC - Life Skills
-
61,457
(67,832)
6,375
-
Rank Foundation
1
29,303
(29,303)
(1)
-
PA Foundation
1,114
23,443
(23,443)
-
1,114
Youth Action NI
849
293,049
(275,593)
(3,966)
14,339
National Lottery - Dormant Accounts - CRM
-
2,020
(2,020)
-
-
Street 1
5,029
-
-
(5,029)
-
PCSP Projects
20,306
-
(59)
-
20,247
TBUC / CGRF
402
236,764
(241,478)
4,312
-
SEUPB - Voices 4 Impact
-
48,570
(44,782)
(1,795)
1,993
YP - Tech Projects
2,022
-
(1,188)
-
834
Santander
9,131
36,540
(37,842)
-
7,829
International Fund for Ireland
-
36,113
(37,271)
1,158
-
Innovate UK
-
41,576
(41,627)
51
-
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
3,300
59,600
(46,934)
-
15,966
Sir Halley Stewart Trust
-
7,757
(7,757)
-
-
Radius Housing
-
9,579
(12,768)
3,189
-
CINE
-
9,021
(7,769)
-
1,252
DCSDC
-
23,103
(23,103)
-
-
Other Small Funds
31,823
-
(3,661)
(1,805)
26,357
97,693
1,379,144
(1,391,647)
12,531
97,721
THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 23 -
15
Unrestricted funds
At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
658,218
61,508
(135,248)
(12,531)
571,947
16
Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible
Net Current
Total
Fixed Assets
Assets
2025
£
£
£
Restricted Income Funds
41,847
55,874
97,721
Unrestricted Income Funds
264,207
307,740
571,947
306,054
363,614
669,668
17
Non-audit service provision

In common with many other charities of our size and nature we use our auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

18
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
Between two and five years
43,200
18,496
19
Capital commitments

The company had no financial commitments as at 31 March 2025 and at 31 March 2024.

20
Related party transactions

During the year the company shared resources and provided financial management services to a related entity. Total costs transacted during the year amounted to £46,714. At 31 March 2025, the balance due to the related entity amounted to £2,150 creditor (2024: nil) and is included in creditors due within one year. No interest is charged on this loan.

21
Company status

The company is as company limited by guarantee and does not have share capital.

THE BYTES PROJECT
(CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 24 -
22
Control

The directors control the company. The directors are appointed by and are accountable to the members.

23
Financial commitments

The company had no financial commitments as at 31 March 2025 and at 31 March 2024.

24
Cash generated from operations
2025
2024
£
£
Net movement in funds
(86,243)
(17,248)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
40,859
38,875
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangibel fixed assets
21,113
-
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(234,043)
299,085
Increase in creditors
175,232
104,362
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(83,082)
425,074
25
Analysis of changes in net funds
At 1 April 2024
Cash flows
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
699,647
(377,582)
322,065
Loans falling due within one year
(8,333)
-
(8,333)
Loans falling due after more than one year
(16,527)
11,776
(4,751)
674,787
(365,806)
308,981
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